I need a spare for my 67 Firebird convertible. I see space savers available on e bay. The original spec calls for a 7.35 x 14. My understanding is that equates to a P195/75 D14. I am assuming that any tire/rim that meets these specs will work even on space savers used into the 80's. Is this correct??

The space saver spare used in our cars was a collapsible tire. The other choice was a plain steel rim with standard tire, and I believe it was possible to upgrade the spare to a matching Rally rim if so ordered. The space saver rim is also a narrow rim, I believe 5" width though I do not have one mounted. A 75 profile is probably on the wide side.

If using a standard tire it would be best to match tire heights and style (radial, bias, belted) for safety.

Vikki...That is interesting that you state "and I believe it was possible to upgrade the spare to a matching Rally rim if so ordered. " ..Many times I have been asked that question and always thought it was not possible.....Do you know of any paperwork from the factory that would say that? . I see nothing on a 67 or 68 Dealer order form. THANKS

I like the idea of keeping as much space available as possible and staying with a space saver, not to mention the period correctness. I guess my question should have asked if the 14 inch rim space saver tires are compatable for a 67 Bird even if it is from 1980 Camaro.

I have a 'later model' space saver ( black rim) to save space in the trunk ansd still look fairly correct (I have the correct inflator bottle etc to go with it), but I wouldnt use it if I had a flat....you cant trust a 35 -40 yr old space saver... I keep a fixaflat can in the glove box ,for 'just in case'...if tire were to totally blow , I`d call a wrecker...

It should look something like this. This one is not original, but looks pretty close:


Is the one from the 80 Camaro collapsible, where you have to inflate it like this?

Brett!

Mine looks just like Bretts ,except its located more forward...I had a new trunk pan installed and located the eyelet that the spare ties to at the location for space saver, its a little more forward, gives more 'space'...looks like Bretts is using the regular spares location...
If I remember , I`ll take a picture...

I also snagged a later model "collapsible" spare out of a 2nd Gen Camaro. The idea is that it would only be in the trunk for car shows.

My plan was to use a spare 14 inch Ralley II as the foundation of a real spare for road trips. I found one mounted on my previous restoration project, kept it, and refinished it.

Then I upgraded the fronts to aftermarket disc brakes and the rears to 11 inch police service drums. I have not tried it, but I am willing to bet that 14 inch rim is not going to fit on my car at all now.

Since my 68 has a cage and fuel cel, i got an "inflated" compact spare and jack out of a 91-92 FB or camaro from the wrecking yard.
The jack fits under the rear down bar, but the spare has to sit on top of the fuel cel

Here is a picture of the original space saver spare from my 1968 Ram Air car....Notice that the hold down for space saver spares is much higher then cars without space saver spare tires.